Modular mobile telephone apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mobile telephone is provided that comprises: a core functional module, which includes one or more of a group of functional components necessary for operation as a mobile telephone, the group including logic circuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitry and audio transmitting and receiving circuitry, and a casing module which can be combined with the core functional module, wherein circuitry is associated with the casing module and wherein when the core functional module is combined with the casing module, the circuitry of the core functional module will be connected to circuitry associated with the casing module. The mobile telephone is characterised in that the appearance of the mobile phone is dictated by the appearance of the casing module, and the functionality of the mobile phone is dictated by the circuitry of the core module and the circuitry associated with the casing module.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a modular mobile telephone apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are many designs of mobile telephones available. At any one time,a particular mobile telephone manufacturer may have a range of differentmodels of mobile telephone which differ in terms of function. Forexample, one model may offer playback of MP3 music files whilst anothermay provide a camera capable of taking digital photographs. A givenmodel of mobile telephone will also have a series of options which canbe set by a user to determine the manner in which the telephone willoperate. These include options such as the ring tone, whether there is avibrating call alert, whether calls are diverted and so forth. For anygiven model, there may also be a limited range of appearance options. Inone known system, it is possible to change the appearance of the outercasing of the mobile telephone by replacing the original outer casingwith a new one of a different colour.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided amobile telephone comprising: a core functional module, said corefunctional module including one or more of a group of functionalcomponents necessary for operation as a mobile telephone, said groupincluding logic circuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitryand audio transmitting and receiving circuitry, and a casing modulewhich can be combined with the core functional module, wherein circuitryis associated with the casing module and wherein when the corefunctional module is combined with the casing module, the circuitry ofthe core functional module will be connected to circuitry associatedwith the casing module, and wherein the appearance of the mobiletelephone is dictated by the appearance of the casing module, andwherein the functionality of the mobile telephone is dictated by thecircuitry of the core module and the circuitry associated with thecasing module.

In this way, a greater versatility is provided in terms of creatingdifferent models of mobile telephone and in terms of customising mobiletelephones.

In preferred embodiments the casing module can be combined with the corefunctional module by inserting the core functional module into thecasing module. In this way, the process of combining the core functionalmodule with the casing module is easier (from the point of view of auser) since the user merely has to push the core functional module intothe casing module and does not need to follow any complex alignmenttechniques.

Preferably, when the core functional module is combined with the casingmodule, the casing module surrounds the core functional modulepreferably on at least four sides of said core functional module. Inthis way the core functional module is protected from any damage thatmay be caused to it by exposing it to shock. This is important since thecore functional module is likely to be more expensive to replace than acasing module and so damage to the casing module, although notdesirable, is preferable to damage to the core functional module.Furthermore, by enclosing the core functional module within a casingmodule, the mobile telephone maintains the mechanical integrity ofknown, existing mobile telephones. In other preferred embodiments thecasing module may envelop the core functional module thus protecting itfrom exposure to the environment. In this way it is possible to providea mobile telephone that is shock and water resistant.

In preferred embodiments the appearance of the mobile telephone issubstantially dictated by the appearance of the casing module. In thisway it is possible to completely change the external appearance andshape of the mobile telephone. Thus, for example, mobile telephones fordifferent users (e.g. adults/children) or different uses (e.g. businessuse/adventure use) can appear different. Moreover, the mobile telephonecan be used in differing orientations depending on which casing moduleis being used and what functionality is desired. In other embodimentsthe appearance of the mobile telephone is solely dictated by theappearance of said casing module. This will be the case when the corefunctional module is enclosed within a casing module as described above.

Preferably the core functional module is spring-loaded in the casingmodule. This facilitates the separation of the core functional modulefrom the casing module since the core functional module will be forcedout of the casing module enabling a user to grip the end of the corefunctional module in order to separate the two modules. This isadvantageous since the user will not have to shake the mobile telephonein order to separate the two modules thus again preventing any damagecaused to the mobile telephone by shock. This is also particularlyadvantageous when the casing module surrounds the core functionalmodule.

In preferred embodiments the circuitry of the core module and/or thecircuitry associated with the casing module restricts the functionalityof the mobile telephone. This is advantageous to a parent wishing torestrict their child's usage of a mobile telephone or to a businesswishing to restrict an employees usage of a mobile telephone.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acasing module for a mobile telephone, the casing module being adapted tocooperate with a core functional module, the core functional moduleincluding one or more of a group of functional components necessary foroperation as a mobile telephone, said group including logic circuitry,radio transmitting and receiving circuitry and audio transmitting andreceiving circuitry, wherein circuitry is associated with the casingmodule and wherein the casing module can be combined with the corefunctional module to create a mobile telephone, and wherein when thecasing module is combined with the core functional module the circuitryassociated with the casing module will be connected to circuitry of thecore module, and wherein the appearance of the mobile phone is dictatedby the appearance of the casing module, and the functionality of themobile phone is dictated by the circuitry of the core module and thecircuitry associated with the casing module.

In this way, a variety of casing modules can be individually combinedwith a single core functional module providing mobile telephones withdiffering functionalities. A greater versatility is therefore once againprovided in terms of creating different models of mobile telephones andin terms of customising mobile telephones. If a particular functionalitywas required or no longer required, or if a particular casing modulebecame damaged, a user could simply replace the casing module whilekeeping the same core functional module.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acore functional module for a mobile telephone, the core functionalmodule including one or more of a group of functional componentsnecessary for operation as a mobile telephone, said group includinglogic circuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitry and audiotransmitting and receiving circuitry, wherein the core functional modulecan be combined with a casing module to create a mobile telephone, andwherein when the core functional module is combined with the casingmodule, the circuitry of the core functional module will be connected tocircuitry associated with the casing module, and wherein the appearanceof the mobile telephone is dictated by the appearance of the casingmodule, and the functionality of the mobile phone is dictated by thecircuitry of the core module and the circuitry associated with thecasing module.

In this way, a single core functional module can be individuallycombined with variety of casing modules providing mobile telephones withdiffering functionalities. A greater versatility is therefore once againprovided in terms of creating different models of mobile telephones andin terms of customising mobile telephones. If a particular functionalitywas required or no longer required, or if a particular casing modulebecame damaged, a user could simply replace the casing module whilekeeping the same core functional module.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is providedan interconnect mechanism comprising a first member and a second member,the first member and/or second member being movable in a respectivedirection with respect to the other to an interconnected positionwherein the first member is interconnected with the second member andthen subsequently to a release position wherein the first and secondmembers are releasable from each other.

In this way, an interconnect mechanism that is more intuitive to usethan existing, known interconnect mechanisms is provided. A useroperating the interconnect mechanism pushes the mechanism to enable itand pushes further, in the same direction, to release it.

In a preferred embodiment, in use, the first member and/or second membermove directly to the interconnected position without moving beyond theinterconnected position.

In a preferred embodiment, the interconnect mechanism provided by thepresent invention is used in combination with the mobile telephone, corefunctional module and casing module provided by the other aspects of theinvention to connect a core functional module to a casing module toprovide a mobile telephone.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amobile telephone comprising a core functional module which includes thefunctional components necessary for operation as a mobile telephoneincluding logic circuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitryand audio transmitting and receiving circuitry, and a removable casingmodule in which the core functional module is received, characterised inthat circuitry is associated with the casing module and is connected tocircuitry of the core module, so that the appearance of the mobile phoneis dictated by the appearance of the casing module, and thefunctionality of the mobile phone is dictated by the circuitry of thecore module and the circuitry associated with the casing module.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod for creating a mobile telephone in which a core functional moduleis provided which includes the functional components necessary foroperation as a mobile telephone including logic circuitry, radiotransmitting and receiving circuitry and audio transmitting andreceiving circuitry, and there is provided a casing module which iscombined with the core functional module to create a complete mobiletelephone, characterised in that circuitry is associated with the casingmodule and when the casing module is combined with the core functionalmodule the circuitry associated with the casing module is connected tocircuitry of the core module, so that the appearance of the mobile phoneis dictated by the appearance of the casing module, and thefunctionality of the mobile phone is dictated by the circuitry of thecore module and the circuitry associated with the casing module.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acore functional module for a mobile telephone, the core functionalmodule including functional components necessary for operation as amobile telephone including logic circuitry, radio transmitting andreceiving circuitry and audio transmitting and receiving circuitry, andthe core functional module being adapted to cooperate with a casingmodule so that the casing module can be combined with the corefunctional module to create a complete mobile telephone, characterisedin that circuitry in the core functional module is adapted to beconnected to and to cooperate with circuitry associated with the casingmodule so that when the casing module is combined with the corefunctional module the functionality of the resultant mobile phone isdictated by the circuitry of the core module and the circuitryassociated with the casing module.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided acasing module for a mobile telephone, the casing module being adapted tocooperate with a core functional module which includes the functionalcomponents necessary for operation as a mobile telephone including logiccircuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitry and audiotransmitting and receiving circuitry, so that the casing module can becombined with the core functional module to create a complete mobiletelephone, characterised in that circuitry is associated with the casingmodule so that when the casing module is combined with the corefunctional module the circuitry associated with the casing module willbe connected to circuitry of the core module, so that the appearance ofthe mobile phone is dictated by the appearance of the casing module, andthe functionality of the mobile phone is dictated by the circuitry ofthe core module and the circuitry associated with the casing module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description of an embodiment thereofpresented by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like parts, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a view of the front of a core functional module;

FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the core functional module along theline AA in FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a view of the side of core functional module along the line AAin FIG. 1 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a view of the rear of a core functional module;

FIG. 5 is a view of the front of a casing module;

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the casing module along the line BB inFIG. 5 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a view of the rear of a casing module;

FIG. 8 is a view of the side of a casing module along the line BB inFIG. 5 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 9 is a view of the core functional module inserted into a casingmodule;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mechanism to connect a core module toa casing module;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a further mechanism to connect a coremodule to a casing module;

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show the various stages of operation of themechanism of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the stages of operation when a coremodule is inserted into a casing module;

FIG. 16 shows part of a mechanism for connecting the core module to acasing module;

FIGS. 17 to 20 show the various stages of operation of a mechanism forconnecting the core module to a casing module;

FIGS. 21 to 24 show the various stages of operation of a mechanism forconnecting the core module to a casing module;

FIGS. 25 to 26 show the various stages of operation of a mechanism forconnecting the core module to a casing module;

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a core functional module for amobile telephone in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The core module comprises a housing 1, having a front face, arear face and upper, lower and side walls. The front and rear faces eachtaper smoothly approximately halfway along the length thereof, such thatone end of each face is wider than the opposite, distal end. Moreover,the front face comprises a first planar surface proximal the wide endand a second planar surface proximal the narrower end of the faces. Thefirst and second planar surfaces are joined by an interconnecting curvedportion. The rear face is planar across its entire surface. The upper,lower and side walls are disposed between the front and rear faces whichare arranged in alignment and parallel to each other. As a consequence,the upper and lower walls are rectangular in shape, although ofdifferent sizes; the upper wall being of greater width and height thanthe lower wall. The side walls each comprises first and second planarportions joined by an interconnecting curved portion. The first planarportion is located adjacent the wide end of the front and rear faces andis itself of greater width than the second planar portion of each sidewall. The effect of this is that the housing 1 tapers in two planes suchthat the wide end of the housing is also of greater depth than thenarrower end.

At the wide end of the housing 1, on the front face there is anearpiece/speaker 2. Below the earpiece/speaker 2 there is a rectangulardisplay 3 (e.g. a graphics capable, colour, liquid crystal display(LCD)) and near the bottom end there is an electrical connector 4.Backlighting is provided to the display 3 (e.g. by LED) and the display3 supports all the major common open formats (e.g. GIF, JPG). Theconnector 4 will connect the electrical components of the core module tothose in a casing module. The casing module itself and the electricalconnection between the core module and casing module will be describedin more detail below. The earpiece/speaker 2, display 3 and connector 4are all situated within the housing 1 but are visible and accessiblethrough apertures on the front face of the housing 1.

With reference to FIG. 2, within the housing 1, the earpiece/speaker 2,display 3 and connectors 4 are all connected to a printed circuit board(PCB) 5 that runs through the middle of the housing from near the wideend to near the narrow end. At the wide end of the housing 1, on theinternal rear face there is an antenna 6 and below the antenna 6 is anincoming call/message alerting device 7. Preferably the device 7 can beconfigured in an audible mode for audible alerts preferably using apolyphonic tone generator. Preferably, the device 7 also has aselectable vibrating alert for silent identification of incoming callsor messages. On the external rear face of the housing at the narrow endthere is a hollow in which there is situated a battery 8. The battery 8can be removed. Removal of the battery 8 provides access to a slot (notshown) for a subscriber identity module (SIM) card. Data can be storedon the SIM card. The data stored on the SIM card is similar to the datastored on SIM cards found in known mobile telephones (e.g. Short MessageService (SMS) messages, call registers, phonebook, PersonalIdentification Number (PIN) and other subscriber related information).The battery is connected to the PCB 5. Also connected to the PCB 5 (butnot shown) are electrical components for logic functions, radiotransmitting and receiving circuitry (e.g. the “GSM/GPRS DigitalBaseband Processor” available from Analogue Devices, Inc as part numberAD6526, which can support GSM and GPRS operation and includes anARM7TDMI® control processor), audio transmitting and receiving circuitryand memory. The memory can store a phonebook and other phone and callsettings like known mobile telephones. It can also further providesoftware functions (e.g. games, personal information manager,calculator, stopwatch, countdown timer, clock and date), store theidentity of the current casing module ID, store default interfacefunctionality data and store cached casing module personality datauploaded from the current casing module. (Casing module personalityrefers to the visual and audible characteristics of the user interfacethat is associated with the casing module's physical appearance andbecomes active when a core functional module is inserted into the casingmodule and the device is powered on.) SMS and Enhanced Message Service(EMS) requirements are preferably supported as specified in 3G TS 23.040Release 5. The Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is also preferablysupported as specified in 3G TS 23.140 Release 5.

Referring to FIG. 3, approximately a quarter of the way down one of theside walls of the housing are two volume control switches 9 and 10 forcontrolling the volume of the earpiece/speaker 2. The volume controlswitches are connected to the PCB 5. A headset jack (not shown) islocated in a corresponding position on the opposite side of the housing.On the same side as the volume control switches but at the narrow end ofthe housing and extending towards the wide end of the housing is astepped track 11. The stepped track is part of the mechanism that willenable the core module to be connected securely to a casing module andwill be described in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 4, approximately a quarter of the way down the rearside of the housing from the wide end, and extending perpendicularlyoutwards from the plane of the rear face of the housing is a smallcylindrical stud 12. The stud is part of a further mechanism that willenable the core module to be connected securely to a casing module andwill be described in more detail below.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown an example of a casing module for amobile telephone in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The casing module comprises a housing 13 having a front face,rear face and upper, lower and side walls. The housing 1 of the coremodule can be inserted into the housing 13 of the casing module, in alongitudinal direction, through a slot (not shown) on the upper wall ofthe housing 13. At the end proximal the upper wall and on the front faceof the housing 13 is an aperture 14 and below the aperture is arectangular window 15. When the core module is securely located withinthe casing module, the aperture 14 lies directly over theearpiece/speaker 2 of the core module and the window lies directly overthe display 3 of the core module. Below the window 15 is a keypad 16 andbelow the keypad 16 is a microphone 17. The keypad 16 is preferablybacklit as part of the backlighting provided to the display 3. Thekeypad 16 and microphone 17 are situated within the housing 13 but arevisible and accessible through apertures on the housing 13.

Referring to FIG. 6, on the lower wall of the housing 13 is an accessoryport 18. The accessory port 18 provides ports for connecting thecomplete mobile telephone to a range of accessories. Examples of suchports include a port for a battery charger, hands free kit or car kit, adata port (e.g. a serial data port and/or a Universal Serial Bus (USB)port), a regulated power output port and audio input and output ports.In preferred embodiments, it is possible to connect the battery chargerindependently of other accessories. The accessory port 18 is situatedwithin the housing 13 but the ports it provides are visible andaccessible through an aperture on the housing 13. Extendinglongitudinally up the middle of the housing from just above theaccessory port 18 to approximately one third of the way along thehousing 13 from the lower wall is a PCB 19. The keypad 16, microphone 17and accessory port 18 are all connected to the PCB 19. Also connected tothe PCB 19 are connectors 20 for connection to the connectors 4 of thecore module. Referring to FIG. 9, when the core module is securelylocated within the casing module, the connectors 4 of the core moduleare in contact with the connectors 20 of the casing module enabling theelectrical connection between the two modules. Referring again to FIG.6, also connected to the PCB 19 (but not shown) are electricalcomponents for logic functions. In some embodiments, some memory is alsoconnected to the PCB 19 preferably in the form of one or more integratednon-volatile memory chips. The memory can provide additional softwarefunctions, copy protection information, information relating to therelationship between the casing module and the core functional moduleand casing module personality data.

Within the housing 13, attached to the lower wall and extendinglongitudinally towards the upper wall is a spring loaded arm 21 that hasa stud on its end. Referring to FIG. 9, when the core module is insertedinto the casing module, the spring loaded arm 21 and stud interact withthe stepped track 11 on the side of the core module housing 1 as part ofthe mechanism that will enable the core module to be connected securelyto the casing module which will be described in more detail below.Referring again to FIG. 6, within the housing, on the rear face about aquarter of the length of the housing from its upper wall is a detent 22.Referring once again to FIG. 9, the detent 22 and the cylindrical stud12 on the back of the core module interact as part of a furthermechanism that will enable the core module to be connected securely tothe casing module which will be described in more detail below.Referring to FIG. 7, the detent 22 can be operated by a user via asliding catch 23 which is on the rear face of the housing 13 and isconnected to the detent 22 through the housing 13. Referring to FIG. 8,on one of the side walls of the housing 13 there are two volume controlkeys 24 and 25 which act on the volume control switches 9 and 10 of thecore module 1 when it is securely located within the casing module. Alsoattached to the lower wall (but not shown) and extending towards theupper wall is a spring. When the core module is securely located withinthe casing module. The core module abuts against and compresses thespring.

The mechanical connection between the core module and the casing modulewill now be described in more detail. Referring to FIG. 10, the steppedtrack 11 on the side of the core module housing I has an entrance 10 a.Leading away from the entrance 10 a in a straight line is upwardlysloping straight track section 10 b. Half way along the straight track10 b is a first ridge 10 c. After the first ridge 10 c, the upwardlysloping straight track section continues to a second ridge 10 d wherethe straight track section ends and a curved track section 10 e begins.The curved track section 10 e runs back in the opposite direction to thestraight track section and merges with the straight track section nearthe entrance point 10 a.

As described above, within the housing 13 of the casing module, attachedto the lower wall and extending longitudinally towards the upper wall isa spring loaded arm 21 that has a stud on its end. To insert the coremodule into the casing module, a user inserts the core module into thecasing module through a slot in the upper wall of the casing module andpushes the casing module into the core module. Upon pushing the coremodule into the casing module, the stud on the end of the spring loadedarm 21 enters the stepped track 10 at the entrance 10 a and begins torun along the upwardly sloping straight track section 10 b until it runsover the first ridge 10 c. This causes the spring that is attached tothe lower wall of the casing module to compress. At this point, a userinserting the core module into the casing module would hear and feel a‘click’ informing them that the core module is securely connected to thecasing module since the first ridge 10 c prevents movement of the studon the arm 21 back down the upwardly sloping straight track section 10b. To remove the core module from the casing module, the user pushes thecore module further into the casing module. This causes the furthercompression of the spring in the casing module. The stud will continueto run along the upwardly sloping straight track section until it runsover the second ridge 10 d. At this point the stud moves onto the curvedtrack section 10 e and begins to run back towards the entrance 10 a. Thespring begins to expand propelling the core module out of the casingmodule. The spring contains enough energy to propel the core module outof the casing module far enough to allow a finger grip on the top of thecore module.

The above description of the mechanical connection of the core module tothe casing module describes a push to insert, push to release typemechanism wherein the user pushes the core module into the casing modulein order to connect the two together and then pushes the core modulefurther into the casing module in order to remove the core module fromthe casing module. In order to prevent accidental ejection there isprovided a secondary mechanism to secure the core module inside thecasing module.

Referring to FIG. 11, the detent 22 consists of a sliding catch 26 thatis attached via a spring 27 to a fixed support 28. The catch 26 isconstrained to move linearly by a track 29. In its equilibrium position,the opposite end of the catch 26 to that attached to the spring 27 sitsoutside of the track 29. The end of the catch 26 that sits outside thetrack 29 in the equilibrium position has one flat edge and one slopingedge.

Referring to FIG. 12, as the core module is inserted into the casingmodule the cylindrical stud 12 moves towards the detent 22 until itmakes contact with the sloping edge of the catch 26. Upon coming intocontact with the sloping edge of the catch 26, the force exerted on thecatch 26 will cause it to deflect in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of insertion. Referring to FIG. 13, the catch 26 deflectsenough so as to allow the stud 12 to pass by. Referring to FIG. 14, oncethe stud 12 has passed by the catch 26, it will spring back into itsoriginal position preventing the stud 12 from moving to where it camefrom and thus preventing removal of the core module from the casingmodule. (Contemporaneously with the stud 12 passing the catch 26, thestud on the end of the spring loaded arm 21 also passes the first ridge10 c in the stepped track 11 as described earlier.) In order to removethe core module from the casing module, the user must first slide thesliding catch 23 on the back of the casing module. This will cause thesliding catch 26 to move out of the way of the stud 12 since the slidingcatch 23 is attached to the sliding catch 26. The stud will then be ableto pass by the catch 26 enabling removal of the casing module. Removalof the casing module is then achieved via the push to insert, push torelease mechanism described earlier.

It will be realised that the mechanical connection mechanisms describedabove are only examples of the many ways of connecting the core moduleto the casing module. In other embodiments, alternative mechanisms arepossible and some of these are described below.

Instead of the secondary mechanism described above to secure the coremodule inside the casing module, in another embodiment the secondarymechanism comprises a track on the exterior rear wall of the core modulein which a pin, located on the interior rear wall of the casing module,runs. In this embodiment the pin is connected through the rear wall ofthe casing module to a sprung sliding catch that a user can operate.

Referring to FIG. 16, the track comprises an entrance 16 a to an angledtrack section 16 b running away from the entrance 16 a at an appropriateangle (e.g. approximately 45θ). A crosswise track section 16 c, runningperpendicular to the direction of insertion of the core module into thecasing module, begins where the angled track section 16 b ends. Themid-point of the crosswise track section 16 d is in vertical alignmentwith the entrance 16 a. The end of the crosswise track section 16 c isat a junction with a longitudinal track section 16 e running in the samedirection as the direction of insertion of the core module into thecasing module. The longitudinal track section runs towards an exit 16 fwhich is in horizontal alignment with the entrance 16 a.

As the core module is inserted into the casing module, the pin entersthe track at the entrance 16 a and begins to run along the angled tracksection 16 b causing the spring of the spring loaded catch to expand. Atthe end of the core module's insertion trajectory the pin will enter thecrosswise track section 16 b, the spring will compress back to itsequilibrium position and the pin will come to rest at the mid-point ofthe crosswise track section 16 d. At this time, the core module isrestrained from moving in the direction of its insertion by the walls ofthe crosswise track section 16 c.

To remove the core module from the casing module, a user slides thesliding catch so that the pin moves along the crosswise track section 16c towards the longitudinal track section 16 e. When it enters thelongitudinal track section 16 e the pin will move along the longitudinaltrack section 16 e towards the exit 16 f enabling removal of the coremodule from the casing module.

Instead of the stepped track described above, in another embodimentthere is provided a pin fixed onto the exterior side wall of the coremodule and a sprung track on the interior side wall of the casingmodule. Referring to FIG. 17, the sprung track runs along the interiorside wall of the casing module and is connected, at a connection point17 a, to the side wall at the end of the track nearest the upper wall ofthe casing module. The sprung track can pivot and rotate about thisconnection point 17 a. The track has a top edge 17 b and a bottom edge17 c. The top edge 17 b and bottom edge 17 c diverge with respect to thedistance from the connection point. At the opposite end of the track thetop edge 17 b and bottom edge 17 c both turn smoothly back towards theconnection 17 a point and meet to form a smooth groove 17 d.

When the core module is inserted into the casing module, the pin 17 eapproaches the top edge 17 b of the track. Referring to FIG. 18, as thecore module is pushed further into the casing module the pin 17 e runsalong the top edge 17 b of the track causing it to deflect and rotateabout the connection point 17 a. As the pin 17 e passes the end of thetop edge 17 b of the track, the track can rotate back towards itsequilibrium position. Referring to FIG. 19, before the track reaches itsequilibrium position, the pin 17 e comes to rest in the smooth groove 17d at which time the core module is securely connected to the casingmodule.

To remove the core module from the casing module, the user pushes thecore module further into the casing module. This will cause the pin 17 eto move past the end of the bottom edge 17 c of the track allowing thetrack to complete its rotation back to its equilibrium position.Referring to FIG. 20, the pin 17 e will then be able to run along thebottom edge 17 b of the track enabling the removal of the core modulefrom the casing module.

It will be realised that this mechanism is another example of a push toinsert, push to release mechanism.

It will be realised that in alternative embodiments similar to theprevious described embodiment, the track can be fixed on the side wallof the core module and a wire spring finger can provided on the sidewall of the casing module. In such embodiments, the wire spring fingermoves over the top and bottom edges of the fixed track deflecting as itdoes so.

In another embodiment, there is provided a mechanism comprising a rotarylatch mounted on the interior rear face of the casing module and a pegprovided on the exterior rear face of the core module. The latch isconnected to a rotary knob on the exterior rear face of the casingmodule for a user to operate the rotary latch. The rotary latch androtary knob are sprung loaded enabling them to rotate about theirequilibrium position. Referring to FIG. 21, the latch 21 a is V-shaped.In its equilibrium position, one edge of the latch 21 a points towardsthe lower wall of the casing module and the other edge of the latch 21 ais at an angle (e.g. approximately 45θ).

Referring to FIG. 22, when the core module is inserted into the casingmodule, the peg 21 b makes contact with the angled edge of the latch 21a causing it to rotate. The peg can then slide down the angled edgeenabling the core module to slide into the casing module. Referring toFIG. 23, when the peg 21 b passes the end of the angled edge, the latch21 a begins to rotate back to its equilibrium position. Referring toFIG. 24, once the latch 21 a has returned fully to its equilibriumposition, the peg 21 b lies in between the two edges of the latch 21 a.The peg cannot move towards the upper wall of the casing module and thecore module is securely connected to the casing module.

To remove the core module from the casing module, the user rotates therotary knob on the casing module exterior. This causes the peg to moveback towards the lower wall of the casing module and past the end of theangled edge of the latch 21 a, as in FIG. 23. The peg can then slideback up the angled edge, as in FIG. 22, enabling removal of the coremodule from the casing module.

In another embodiment, there is provided a detent similar to the detent22 described above. The detent is fixed on the exterior rear face of thecore together with a peg. On in the interior rear face of the casingmodule is provided a sprung rotating latch. The sprung rotating latchconsists of a cuboid. Along one of the longitudinal faces of the cuboidthere is a ledge that sticks out perpendicular to that face. The ledgehas a straight top edge but a curved bottom edge.

Referring to FIG. 25, as the core module is inserted into the casingmodule, the peg 25 a makes contact with the straight top edge of theledge on the sprung rotating latch 25 b. As the core module is pushedfurther inside the casing module the force the peg 25 a exerts on theledge causes the latch 25 b to rotate. As the latch 25 b rotates, thepeg 25 a can slide along the top edge of the ledge until it passes theend of the ledge at which point the latch 25 b is able to spring back toits equilibrium position. Referring to FIG. 26, the latch is restrainedfrom moving past its equilibrium position by the sliding catch 25 c.

To remove the core module from the casing module the user pulls back thesliding catch 25 c and pulls the core module out of the casing module.This causes the peg 25 a to exert a force on the curved edge of theledge causing the latch to rotate. The peg 25 a slides along the curvededge of the ledge until it passes the edge of/the ledge enabling removalof the core module from the casing module.

The electrical connection between the core module 1 and the casingmodule 13 will now be described in more detail. In the presentembodiment, the connectors 20 on the PCB 19 of the casing module takethe form of sprung contacts. As the core module is inserted into thecasing module, the sprung contacts deflect and wipe over a set ofprinted pads which form the connectors 4 on the PCB 5 of the coremodule. Once the core module is correctly in position, the sprungcontacts press firmly on the printed pads thus forming the desiredelectrical link between the core module and the casing module. This linkprovides the path for any electrical signals that have to flow betweenthe core module and the casing module for operation of the mobiletelephone (e.g. power, data, audio signals etc.)

Separately, the core module and the casing module are rendered useless.The functionality of the mobile telephone is dictated by the combinationof the core module and the casing module. The external appearance of themobile telephone is dictated by the external appearance of the casingmodule. As long as the core module can be inserted and secured insidethe casing module, the casing module can take any form or shape.Different casing modules allow different degrees of customisation to themobile telephone.

Referring to FIG. 15, upon inserting the core module into a suitablecasing module and powering it up at step 1501, the core module firstchecks whether the casing module is the same casing module as it waspreviously connected to at step 1503. If it is not (as will be the casewhen the core is powered up for the first time, when it is powered up ina new casing module or when it is powered up in a different butpreviously used casing module) then a further check is made to seewhether or not the new casing module contains any casing modulepersonality data at step 1505. If it does not then the interfacefunctionality data embedded in the core module's memory is cached andused at step 1507. The default interface functionality data embedded inthe core module includes some user interface elements which are fixedand cannot be changed. Examples of such user interface elements includeidle screen indications (e.g. signal strength, battery level and keypadlock), menu presentation (e.g. colour and alignment), call handlingscreens (e.g. call in progress and call waiting), visual and auditoryevent indications (e.g. alarms and appointment/reminder alerts), messagerelated indications (e. sending message, and message sent) and coremodule based functionality top level menu icons which are preferablyused as shortcuts to the core module embedded functionality. The defaultinterface functionality data embedded in the core module also includessome data files that can be used to customise some of the user interfaceelements. Examples of the user interface elements that can be customisedwith suitable data files include ringtone melodies, idle screenbackground/wallpapers, text size, menu graphics, background themes andmessage received tones. If a user chooses to customise one of theseinterface elements then there changes are cached in the memory of thecore module at step 1513. If the new casing module does contain casingmodule personality data then it is uploaded to the core module at step1509 and cached in the core module's memory. Any previously cached datais preferably overwritten and removed to avoid any possible conflicts.If, however, the casing module is the one that the core module hadpreviously been inserted in to, then the previously cached casing modulepersonality data is used at step 1511. The cached casing modulepersonality data files can be used to further customise some of the userinterface elements of the mobile telephone. Examples of the userinterface elements that can be customised by a user with suitable casingmodule personality data file include idle screen backgrounds/wallpapers,menu backgrounds/theme, power on/of melodies, new message indication,audible message alert tones, incoming callgraphics/animations/backdrops, casing module based functionality toplevel menu icons, screensavers/low power modes. In preferredembodiments, a user will also be able to access additional casing modulepersonality data files from sources such as the Internet or premium ratetelephone services for download via WAP, SMS, EMS or MMS for example. Inother embodiments it is also possible to restrict the functionality ofthe mobile telephone. In one such embodiment, the mobile telephone wouldonly be capable of making outgoing calls or sending messages to a set ofpredefined numbers and/or at pre-defined times of day. This could beachieved wither by pre-programming the core module or the casing moduleor both.

An authentication protocol to authenticate only suitable casing modulescould also be included in between step 1501 and step 1503. One exampleof such a protocol would be to code each casing module with a uniqueidentification code. On inserting the core module into a casing module,the core module sends out an authentication request, containing thesleeve identification code, to a central registry. The registry checksif the casing module identification code is valid and if the check ispassed sends out an authentication response. The core module will thencontinue to operate within the casing module. If the core modulereceives a rejection from the registry, or fails to receive any responsewithin a predefined time, it will cease to operate in the casing moduleand will display a predetermined message for a defined time (e.g. 10seconds) and then power off.

Other casing modules, which may or may not contain casing modulepersonality data, may also contain some added functionality. In thefollowing descriptions of embodiments possessing the possible addedfunctionality, it is assumed that suitable functional circuitry isprovided within one or both of the casing module and/or the core moduleto enable the mobile telephone to operate with the described addedfunctionality.

In one embodiment, when a core module is inserted into an appropriatecasing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable of operation as partof an ad hoc short range wireless interconnectivity system such as thesystem developed under the trademark Bluetooth™, Bluetooth™ uses radiointerfaces in the 2.45 GHz frequency band to allow suitably equippedportable electronic devices to connect and communicate wirelessly viashort-range ad hoc networks. This system is designed to replace cablesbetween portable consumer devices such as mobile telephones, headsets,laptop computers, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, and manyother products. The Bluetooth™ system is described in Ericsson Review No3, 1998, Jaap Haartsen, “BLUETOOTH—The Universal Radio Interface for AdHoc, Wireless Connectivity”. Such networks are referred to in thatarticle as “piconets”. Furthermore, a Bluetooth™ base station could beprovided which would allow voice and data communications between themobile telephone and a public switched telephone network (PSTN), aintegrated services digital network (IDSN) or a digital subscriber line(DSL) for example.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation as a radio. The existing core module display is preferablyused to display relevant tuning and volume data. Moreover, the radio ispreferably controlled via a normal telephone keypad or alternatively thecasing module is designed so that there are designated keys to controlthe radio.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The existingcore module display is preferably used to display relevant positionaldata. It may be desirable, in such an embodiment, to encase the corefunctional module in the casing module for use in an outdoorenvironment. This would protect the core functional module from anydamage that could be caused to it by exposure to a shock or tomoisture/water.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation as a compass or an altitude or temperature sensor with thecore module's display preferably being used to display the bearing,height or temperature. It may again be desirable, in such an embodiment,to enclose the core functional module in the casing module for thereasons described above.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capablemeasuring certain body characteristics such as heart rate, bloodpressure or blood sugar level with the core module's display preferablybeing used to display the measured characteristic.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation as a gaming pad enabling a user to play a variety of games. Inthis embodiment, additional keys or even a small joystick are preferablyprovided on the keypad to enhance gaming. The gaming software ispreferably written in the Java 2 Micro-Edition (J2ME) programminglanguage although an other suitable programming language can be used.Moreover, the gaming software is preferably stored in the casingmodule's memory and uploaded to the core for execution. Furthermore, ingaming mode, the mobile telephone is preferably operated in anorientation perpendicular to the normal orientation used to make andreceive telephone calls.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation as an MP3 player. In this embodiment the core module's displayis preferably used to display the currently playing MP3 file. Moreover,additional memory (e.g. in the form of customer installable memorycards) could be provided in the casing module for storage of MP3 files.Furthermore, the player is preferably controlled via a normal telephonekeypad or alternatively the casing module is designed so that there aredesignated MP3 player control keys.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation a digital camera. In this embodiment the core module's displayis preferably used to display the pictures taken. Moreover, additionalmemory (e.g. in the form of customer installable memory cards) ispreferably provided in the casing module for storage of pictures.Furthermore, the camera is preferably controlled via a normal telephonekeypad or alternatively the casing module is designed so that there aredesignated camera control keys.

In another embodiment, the core module is inserted into a casing moduledesigned as an in-car adaptor mounted in a suitable position in a car.This casing module preferably interfaces with a car stereo to mute thestereo during telephone calls, preferably charges the core module'sbattery and preferably contains a speaker for hands free operation.Furthermore, it preferably contains voice recognition ability and/or avoice synthesiser to aid hands free operation.

In another embodiment, the casing module includes a QWERTY keyboardinstead of a normal keypad, preferably in an orientation perpendicularthe normal orientation used to make and receive telephone calls.

In another embodiment, the core module or the casing module providese-mail capability supporting the POP3, SMTP and IMAP4 protocols.Additional memory is preferably provided in the casing module for thestorage of e-mail messages.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation as a web browser supporting WAP, WML/WML script or HTML. Thecore module's display is preferably used to display the web pages.Moreover, browsing is preferably controlled via a normal telephonekeypad or alternatively the casing module is designed so that there aredesignated browser keys.

In another embodiment, when a core module is inserted into anappropriate casing module, the mobile telephone becomes capable ofoperation as a personal information manager including, for example, acalendar and a to-do-list. In this case the core module's display ispreferably to display the appointment information and tasks to do.Moreover, additional memory could be provided in the casing module forstorage appointment information and tasks to do.

It will be appreciated that one casing module could provide none, some,or all of the added functionality described in the above embodiments.

Although the foregoing description relates to a GSM or a GPRS mobiletelephone, it will be appreciated that aspects of the invention can alsobe implemented to create a 3^(rd) generation (3G) mobile telephone.

It will also be realised that any component described above as beingpositioned in the core module, could also be positioned in a casingmodule and vice versa.

It will also be appreciated that the illustrated embodiments are by wayof example to illustrate various ways in which the aspects of theinvention may be implemented, and are not intended to be limiting. Manyalternative embodiments will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

1. A mobile telephone comprising: a core functional module, said corefunctional module including one or more of a group of functionalcomponents necessary for operation as a mobile telephone, said groupincluding logic circuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitryand audio transmitting and receiving circuitry, and a casing modulewhich can be combined with the core functional module, wherein circuitryis associated with the casing module and wherein when the corefunctional module is combined with the casing module, the circuitry ofthe core functional module will be connected to circuitry associatedwith the casing module, and wherein the appearance of the mobiletelephone is dictated by the appearance of the casing module, andwherein the functionality of the mobile telephone is dictated by thecircuitry of the core module and the circuitry associated with thecasing module.
 2. A mobile telephone according to claim 1 wherein saidcasing module can be combined with said core functional module byinserting said core functional module into said casing module.
 3. Amobile telephone according to claim 1 wherein when the core functionalmodule is combined with the casing module, the casing module surroundsthe core functional module.
 4. A mobile telephone according to claim 3wherein said casing module surrounds said core functional module on atleast four sides of said core functional module.
 5. A mobile telephoneaccording to claim 1 wherein the appearance of the mobile telephone issubstantially dictated by the appearance of said casing module.
 6. Amobile telephone according to claim 1 wherein the appearance of themobile telephone is solely dictated by the appearance of said casingmodule.
 7. A mobile telephone according to claim 1 wherein said corefunctional module is spring-loaded in said casing module.
 8. A mobiletelephone according to claim 1 wherein the circuitry of the core moduleand/or the circuitry associated with the casing module restricts thefunctionality of the mobile telephone.
 9. A mobile telephone accordingto claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of the corefunctional module and/or the casing module to enable operation of themobile telephone as a radio.
 10. A mobile telephone according to claim 1further comprising circuitry in one or both of the core functionalmodule and/or the casing module to enable operation of the mobiletelephone as an MP3 player.
 11. A mobile telephone according to claim 1further comprising circuitry in one or both of the core functionalmodule and/or the casing module to enable operation of the mobiletelephone as a digital camera.
 12. A mobile telephone according to claim1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of the core functionalmodule and/or the casing module to enable operation of the mobiletelephone as a personal information manager.
 13. A mobile telephoneaccording to claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of thecore functional module and/or the casing module to enable operation ofthe mobile telephone as a GPS receiver.
 14. A mobile telephone accordingto claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of the corefunctional module and/or the casing module to enable operation of themobile telephone as a compass.
 15. A mobile telephone according to claim1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of the core functionalmodule and/or the casing module to enable operation of the mobiletelephone as a temperature sensor.
 16. A mobile telephone according toclaim 1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of the corefunctional module and/or the casing module to enable operation of themobile telephone as an altitude sensor.
 17. A mobile telephone accordingto claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of the corefunctional module and/or the casing module to enable the mobiletelephone to send and receive e-mail messages.
 18. A mobile telephoneaccording to claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of thecore functional module and/or the casing module to enable operation ofthe mobile telephone as an internet browser.
 19. A mobile telephoneaccording to claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one or both of thecore functional module and/or the casing module to enable operation ofthe mobile telephone as part of a Bluetooth system.
 20. A mobiletelephone according to claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one orboth of the core functional module and/or the casing module to enableoperation of the mobile telephone as a gaming pad.
 21. A mobiletelephone according to claim 1 further comprising circuitry in one orboth of the core functional module and/or the casing module to enableoperation of the mobile telephone as a body characteristic measuringdevice.
 22. A mobile telephone according to claim 1 further comprisingrespective circuitry in one or both of the core functional module and/orthe casing module to enable operation of the mobile telephone as any oneor more of the following group of devices: a radio, a digital camera, apersonal information manager, a GPS receiver, a compass, a temperaturesensor, an altitude sensor, a device to send and receive e-mailmessages, an internet browser, a Bluetooth enabled device, a gaming pad,a body characteristic measuring device.
 23. A casing module for a mobiletelephone, the casing module being adapted to cooperate with a corefunctional module, the core functional module including one or more of agroup of functional components necessary for operation as a mobiletelephone, said group including logic circuitry, radio transmitting andreceiving circuitry and audio transmitting and receiving circuitry,wherein circuitry is associated with the casing module and wherein thecasing module can be combined with the core functional module to createa mobile telephone, and wherein when the casing module is combined withthe core functional module the circuitry associated with the casingmodule will be connected to circuitry of the core module, and whereinthe appearance of the mobile telephone is dictated by the appearance ofthe casing module, and the functionality of the mobile phone is dictatedby the circuitry of the core module and the circuitry associated withthe casing module.
 24. A core functional module for a mobile telephone,the core functional module including one or more of a group offunctional components necessary for operation as a mobile telephone,said group including logic circuitry, radio transmitting and receivingcircuitry and audio transmitting and receiving circuitry, wherein thecore functional module can be combined with a casing module to create amobile telephone, and wherein when the core functional module iscombined with the casing module, the circuitry of the core functionalmodule will be connected to circuitry associated with the casing module,and wherein the appearance of the mobile telephone is dictated by theappearance of the casing module, and the functionality of the mobilephone is dictated by the circuitry of the core module and the circuitryassociated with the casing module.
 25. An interconnect mechanismcomprising a first member and a second member, the first member and/orsecond member being movable in a respective direction with respect tothe other to an interconnected position wherein the first member isinterconnected with the second member and then subsequently to a releaseposition wherein the first and second members are releasable from eachother.
 26. An interconnect mechanism according to claim 26 wherein, inuse, the first member and/or second member move directly to theinterconnected position without moving beyond the interconnectedposition.
 27. An interconnect mechanism according to claim 25 whereinsaid direction is a linear direction.
 28. A mobile telephone comprisinga first module, a second module and an interconnection mechanismaccording to claim 25, wherein said interconnection mechanism isoperable to interconnect said first module and said second module.
 29. Amobile telephone according to claim 28 wherein said first moduleincludes said first interconnect member and said second module includessaid second interconnect member.
 30. A mobile telephone according toclaim 28 wherein said second module includes said first interconnectmember and said first module includes said second interconnect member.31. A mobile telephone according to claim 28 wherein said mobiletelephone comprises: a core functional module, said core functionalmodule including one or more of a group of functional componentsnecessary for operation as a mobile telephone, said group includinglogic circuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitry and audiotransmitting and receiving circuitry, and a casing module which can becombined with the core functional module, wherein circuitry isassociated with the casing module, wherein when the core functionalmodule is combined with the casing module, the circuitry of the corefunctional module will be connected to circuitry associated with thecasing module, wherein the appearance of the mobile telephone isdictated by the appearance of the casing module, wherein thefunctionality of the mobile telephone is dictated by the circuitry ofthe core module and the circuitry associated with the casing module, andwherein said first module comprises said core functional module and saidsecond module comprises said casing module.
 32. A mobile telephonecomprising a core functional module which includes the functionalcomponents necessary for operation as a mobile telephone including logiccircuitry, radio transmitting and receiving circuitry and audiotransmitting and receiving circuitry, and a removable casing module inwhich the core functional module is received, characterised in thatcircuitry is associated with the casing module and is connected tocircuitry of the core module, so that the appearance of the mobile phoneis dictated by the appearance of the casing module, and thefunctionality of the mobile phone is dictated by the circuitry of thecore module and the circuitry associated with the casing module.
 33. Amethod for creating a mobile telephone in which a core functional moduleis provided which includes the functional components necessary foroperation as a mobile telephone including logic circuitry, radiotransmitting and receiving circuitry and audio transmitting andreceiving circuitry, and there is provided a casing module which iscombined with the core functional module to create a complete mobiletelephone, characterised in that circuitry is associated with the casingmodule and when the casing module is combined with the core functionalmodule the circuitry associated with the casing module is connected tocircuitry of the core module, so that the appearance of the mobile phoneis dictated by the appearance of the casing module, and thefunctionality of the mobile phone is dictated by the circuitry of thecore module and the circuitry associated with the casing module.
 34. Acore functional module for a mobile telephone, the core functionalmodule including functional components necessary for operation as amobile telephone including logic circuitry, radio transmitting andreceiving circuitry and audio transmitting and receiving circuitry, andthe core functional module being adapted to cooperate with a casingmodule so that the casing module can be combined with the corefunctional module to create a complete mobile telephone, characterisedin that circuitry in the core functional module is adapted to beconnected to and to cooperate with circuitry associated with the casingmodule so that when the casing module is combined with the corefunctional module the functionality of the resultant mobile phone isdictated by the circuitry of the core module and the circuitryassociated with the casing module.
 35. A casing module for a mobiletelephone, the casing module being adapted to cooperate with a corefunctional module which includes the functional components necessary foroperation as a mobile telephone including logic circuitry, radiotransmitting and receiving circuitry and audio transmitting andreceiving circuitry, so that the casing module can be combined with thecore functional module to create a complete mobile telephone,characterised in that circuitry is associated with the casing module sothat when the casing module is combined with the core functional modulethe circuitry associated with the casing module will be connected tocircuitry of the core module, so that the appearance of the mobile phoneis dictated by the appearance of the casing module, and thefunctionality of the mobile phone is dictated by the circuitry of thecore module and the circuitry associated with the casing module.